Following a Supreme Court directive to accommodate candidates who missed the initial application deadline, the CBSE has officially rescheduled the CTET September 2026 examination to October 9, 2026. The extended application window concluded on September 1, 2026, and admit cards are scheduled for release by October 4, 2026.
Official CTET Exam Date 2026
The CBSE published the notification for the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) on May 8, 2026. While the exam was originally slated for September 6, 2026, the board has confirmed October 9, 2026, as the final, rescheduled date for the CTET 2026 exam. All logistical arrangements for both Paper I and Paper II have been finalized. Whether you registered during the initial cycle or the reopened window, please ensure your preparation is aligned with this revised schedule.
CTET Exam Date 2026: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test () |
| Exam Edition | 22nd CTET |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Notification Release Date | 08 May 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Papers Conducted | Paper I and Paper II |
| Exam Duration (Each Paper) | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Exam Date | 09 October 2026 (New Updated Exam Date) |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
Important CTET Exam Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 08 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 11 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online (First Window) | 10 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | 15 to 18 June 2026 |
| Application Form Reopen Start Date | 25 August 2026 |
| Application Form Reopen Last Date | 01 September 2026 |
| Originally Scheduled Exam Date | |
| Revised Exam Date | 09 October 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 04 October 2026 |
How to Verify Your CTET Exam Date 2026
Candidates should verify the official examination date exclusively through the notification bulletin available on the official CTET website. Follow the instructions on the portal to confirm your specific exam schedule and venue details.
- Go to the official CTET website.
- Look for the CTET September 2026 Notification PDF link on the homepage.
- Open the information bulletin released by CBSE.
- Scroll to the “Important Dates” section inside the notification.
- Note down the exam date, admit card release schedule, and shift timings.
- Save a copy of the PDF on your device for future reference.
Essential CTET Exam Day Guidelines
To maintain integrity and order, the CBSE enforces rigorous exam day protocols. Candidates failing to adhere to these rules—or missing mandatory documentation—may be denied entry to the examination hall. Arriving early with all required paperwork is the best way to ensure a seamless testing experience.
- Reach the exam centre at least 120 minutes before the shift starts—by 7:30 AM for Paper II and by 12:30 PM for Paper I.
- Entry closes once the exam begins, and no candidate is allowed inside after that, regardless of the reason for being late.
- Carry a printed admit card along with a valid government photo ID such as Aadhaar, PAN, or passport.
- Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, smartwatches, and calculators are banned inside the exam hall.
- Books, notes, and loose papers of any kind cannot be taken into the centre.
- Use only a black or blue ballpoint pen on the OMR sheet; pencils and gel pens are not allowed.
- Keep the OMR sheet free of folds, creases, or stray marks.
- Sign the attendance sheet twice—once at the start of the exam and again while submitting the OMR sheet.
- Follow every instruction given by the invigilator throughout the shift.
- Do not leave the hall without formally handing over the OMR sheet.
CTET Exam Schedule FAQs
When is the rescheduled CTET Exam Date 2026?
The CBSE will conduct both Paper I and Paper II of the CTET 2026 exam on October 9, 2026.
Are Paper 1 and Paper 2 held on the same day?
Yes, both papers are held on the same day. Paper II is scheduled for the morning shift, while Paper I takes place in the afternoon shift.
Can I select my preferred CTET exam city?
No, the CBSE allocates exam cities automatically based on administrative availability; there is no option for candidates to choose their own centre or city.
What is the required reporting time for CTET 2026?
Candidates must arrive at the test centre at least 120 minutes prior to the exam start: 7:30 AM for Paper II and 12:30 PM for Paper I.
Which documents are mandatory for the exam centre?
You must bring a printed copy of your admit card and an original government-issued photo ID, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or valid passport.
What is the test duration for each CTET paper?
Each session, for both Paper I and Paper II, has a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Who should I contact regarding admit card discrepancies?
If you encounter any errors on your admit card, immediately reach out to the CTET Unit via email at [email protected] or call the support line at 011-24050477.